Fence-staple spreader



June 8 1926. l,58,35 2

T. A. G-ROSVENOR FENCE STAPLE SPREADER Filed Oct. 19, 1925 flq roszrenor O \nmu- E. QQQWQK WITNESS: ATroRNEY Patented June 8, 1926.

PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS A. GROSVENOR, OF LOGAN, IOWA.

FENCE-STAPLE SPREADER.

Application filed October An object of this invention is the provision of a tool for spreading the legs of staples and is particularly adapted for use in connection with fence building where the line wires are connected to the metal posts by staples.

A further object is the provision of a fence staple spreader tool that includes two pivotally connected handles which merge into jaws, one of said jaws having its inner face formed with a socket to receive the head of a staple therein, the second jaw having a substantlally V-shaped inwardly directed lug disposed opposite the socket, and the opposite walls of the V-shapcd lug being grooved to receive therein the legs of the staple, to not only spread but mutilate the legs to guide the said legs when being spread by swinging handle elements together and further wherein the jaws are rounded in one direction away from the handles to permit of the convenient operation of the tool.

The drawings illustrate the improvement, and wherein: I

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a staple spreader in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a top planview thereof.

Figure 3 is a plan view of one of the jaws. Figure 4 is a similar view of a cooperating aw.

Figure 5 is a view illustrating the application of the improvement.

As disclosed by the drawings, my improved tool includes two handle members 1 and 2, respectively. The handles are otf set toward each other at a suitable point and disposed in lapping relation, and these lapping portions are pivotally connected, as at 3. Beyond the pivot 3 the handles are formed with jaws 4 and 5, respectively. These jaws are rounded in the same direction away from their handles a point slightly beyond the pivot 3. The said jaws, outward of the pivot 3 are widened upon their inner edges and formed with teeth 6 that are designed to grip an article therebetween. The jaw 4 at its portion beyond that formed with the teeth 6 is flattened, by being widened from one of its edges, and said jaw 4, adjacent to its outer end has its inner face formed with a rounded depression 7. The jaw 5, at a point opposite the depression 7 19, 1925. Serial No. 63,511.

in the jaw 4,'is formed with an inwardly diin the outer plate of a T-shaped metal post 14. As disclosed by the said figure, the end or head of the staple 11 is received in the depression or socket 7 in the jaw 4- and is effectively held therein. The handles 1 and 2 are brought together, causing the pointed end of the lug 8 to pass between the legs 10 of the staple. The legs are guided in the grooves 9 and are effectively spread. A slight twist of the handle 2, after the handle 1 has its jaw 4: brought out of engagement with the end or head, will twist the legs of the staple, and thereby mutilate the said staple so that its accidental removal is effectively prevented.

Having described the invention, I claim 1. A fence tool for spreading the legs of staples, comprising two handle members having lapping portions which are pivotally connected and which are extended to provide jaws, the inner face of one of the jaws having a depression to receive the head of a staple therein, and the second jaw having a V-shaped lug opposite the depression and said lug havm its opposite edges grooved to provide guides for the legs of the staple.

2. A fence tool for spreading the legs of staples, comprising two jaw members which have ofi'set portions disposed in lapping engagement and pivotally connected. said jaws beyond said ivot being rounded away from the handles in the same directions and having their inner portions. adjacent said pivot formed with cooperating teeth, one of said jaws being widened and being formed on its inner face with a depression to receive the head of a staple therein. the second jaw having an inwardly directed V-shaped lug whose point is disposed opposite the center of the depression and whose opposite edges have guide grooves for the legs of the staple.

In testimony whereof I allix my signature. 

